This is Alaska's Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass heading toward Valdez. Those are snow posts along both sides. (The average snowfall on the pass is 50 feet.) The bend in the post is to show where the lanes actually are when everything is covered with snow.
We drove it earlier this week and road conditions were fine. I can only imagine what it will be like when the snow covers all that green clear up to the top of those posts ... (and have no desire whatsoever to experience it in reality).
This glacier, easily seen from the road, is only one of the nineteen or so that surround Valdez. We'll see more of them while we're here.
Below is the view of Prince William Sound from where we're staying in Valdez. The fireboat was practicing this morning.
It looked like the boat had spouted water wings. Water poured down over the boat as well -- that must be to keep it from catching fire itself when it gets close to the flames.
Below is another view from our temporary front yard. There is so much to see in the beautiful Valdez area that we can't stay here in the RV all day -- but with this view it is tempting!
Sharing with the SKYWATCH FRIDAY community. Thank you to the hosts.
I'm just stunned at the amazing country you are seeing and photographing. Beautiful photos...
Posted by: Pat | August 19, 2014 at 10:36 PM
50 feet of snow???..... It is beautiful at this time of year...
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | August 11, 2014 at 07:29 PM
You saved the best photos until the end Sallie. The picture of the fireboat practice is fabulous.
Posted by: phil | August 11, 2014 at 01:26 PM
Such amazing beauty and impending peril as well, Sallie. I've seen these snow posts, with just their peaks showing, in the Rockies. I can only imagine how much more so the snow would be here. Thank you. I'm loving my bit of armchair traveling with you.
Posted by: Penny | August 10, 2014 at 05:17 AM
wow, beautiful country, Sally - the scenes of the 2nd and 3rd pics are stunning!
Also eyed the animals you posted for Sat Critters -they look dangerous to me - and with a bad temper - I'll only watch those from a distance:)
Posted by: Jesh. StG | August 10, 2014 at 01:27 AM
SO beautiful! The best of both worlds---gorgeous mountains and the lovely sound!
Blessings,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | August 09, 2014 at 08:32 PM
How dynamic these scenerys with glaciers with your own eyes☆☆☆ Great series of photographs for the SWF♪
And it is interesing and beautiful to see the fireboat practicing; sure looks like having spouted water wings :-)
Safe Trip, Sallie;
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | August 09, 2014 at 05:04 AM
Spectacular shots. It does looks like the boat has sprouted water wings.
Posted by: Carver | August 09, 2014 at 04:53 AM
Wow, what views. How fun to see the fireboat under wings of water.
Posted by: Gaelyn | August 08, 2014 at 11:33 PM
Forget Texas....EVERYTHING is big in Alaska!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | August 08, 2014 at 01:48 PM
Love the fireboat. When I am in wild places, I feel overcome, and I miss the human touch.
Posted by: Dianne | August 08, 2014 at 10:22 AM
Oh WOW just WOW. How I would love to see these mountains in real time. But thanks for sharing your lovely photo's cuz I'll never make it there.
Posted by: Felicia | August 08, 2014 at 08:38 AM
Had the pleasure of being in your wonderful part of the world on a cruise. Truly enjoyed it. However, you can see and enjoy more if you were driving. Thanks for the visit.
Posted by: LaVoicel | August 08, 2014 at 07:13 AM
Look like the boat is going to take off like a bird.
Posted by: rainfield | August 08, 2014 at 07:06 AM
And always fireseeds. I saw a lot of them a few days ago, while wandering with my husband and my son... I though to you and Alaska and all the part of the world where whe can see (and admire) them !
Posted by: Annie | August 08, 2014 at 06:47 AM
The scenery and colours are strikingly beautiful! Seeing a glacier is something amazing too -although winter wouldn't be that pleasant!
Posted by: Karen @ Pieces of Contentment | August 08, 2014 at 04:26 AM
Such glorious countryside. And the fire boat in action is stunning. Gorgeous touch of wild flowers in the last photo.
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | August 08, 2014 at 03:18 AM
Your photos are fascinating. The scenery looks a bit like Norway, which I visited last month. Compared to my flat country it is far more exciting!
Thanks for visiting. I haven't seen a dingo either. He looks like an ordinary dog, but it is forbidden to keep this wild animal as a pet or to cross breed him with domestic dogs. At least I read this somewhere.
Have a nice weekend!
Wil, ABCW Team.
Posted by: Reader Wil | August 07, 2014 at 11:13 PM
Wonderful pictures Sallie, and an exceptionally beautiful country. Your picture of the fireboat is really stunning.
Posted by: Hildred Finch | August 07, 2014 at 09:40 PM
You must admit this is beautiful country! Excellent photos.
Posted by: Peter B | August 07, 2014 at 09:38 PM
Beautiful.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Posted by: Jim | August 07, 2014 at 09:19 PM
We just got back from an Alaska cruise and I am already wanting to return for more photo ops. It is an amazing place. Thanks for sharing your images.
Posted by: DrillerAA | August 07, 2014 at 09:02 PM
Wow! What a fabulous place to stay. Your photos are brilliant. Love the fireboat one.
Posted by: diane | August 07, 2014 at 08:35 PM
Oh Sallie, you two must be having a truly wonderful time! :) These images are wonderful and those views, magnificent!
Posted by: Lindy | August 07, 2014 at 08:10 PM
very scenic place. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Photo Cache | August 07, 2014 at 05:03 PM
Thank you, Sallie, for sharing these beautiful photos. Hard to imagine snow that high! Love the fireboat pic, too. You're having way too much fun!! :)
Posted by: Lowell | August 07, 2014 at 03:55 PM
Yes, this was really a beautiful sight! Great pictures to present the landscape!
Posted by: Englepappa | August 07, 2014 at 03:20 PM
Sallie, You're getting some amazing photos! I see the Fire Weed is blooming there, too.
Posted by: Barb | August 07, 2014 at 02:37 PM
What superb captures of the skies in Canada!! I know you must be having a wonderful trip!! Thanks for sharing the beauty!!
Posted by: sylviakirk | August 07, 2014 at 01:58 PM
A wonderful area, like the glacier.
Posted by: Christian | August 07, 2014 at 01:51 PM
Gorgeous shot of a beautiful place ~ for SWF ~ Enjoy!
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | August 07, 2014 at 01:40 PM
Beautiful post for SWF!
Well done!
Posted by: HansHB | August 07, 2014 at 01:19 PM
Amazing!! I would have a hard time staying in the RV, too, but if one was forced to it wouldn't be a bad thing at all. Love that boat with the "water wings."
Posted by: Gail | August 07, 2014 at 12:47 PM
just stunning views!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | August 07, 2014 at 07:56 AM
More gorgeous scenery y'all are experiencing!! Awesome trip I'd say!!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | August 07, 2014 at 06:07 AM
Great shots of the fireboat and those majestic mountains!
Posted by: Lady Fi | August 07, 2014 at 05:51 AM
You do have a lovely view from the RV Park. The fireboat practicing is a neat sight.. I love the mountains and glacier, great shots.
Posted by: Eileen | August 07, 2014 at 01:53 AM
A beautiful landscape! All the mountains around ... impressive!
Posted by: Mary | August 07, 2014 at 12:53 AM
A lovely site for an RV park! Back in civilisation? Enjoy your continuing travels.
Posted by: Hazel | August 07, 2014 at 12:43 AM